Writing Through Hard Times – May 2018
Each month, the Denver VOICE publishes a selection of writing from workshops sponsored by Lighthouse Writers Workshop. The Hard Times Writing Workshop is a collaboration between Denver Public Library and Lighthouse Writers Workshop. This workshop is open to all members of the public—especially those experiencing homelessness. Hard Times meets every Tuesday from 3-5 p.m. on the fourth floor of DPL’s Central branch. The Lighthouse sponsored workshop at The Gathering Place is specifically for that organization’s clients.
To check out more writing by the poets featured in this column, go to writedenver.org.
Kevin M. Vidal
Ashes
Beneath Ashes
I sifted
Searching for the answer
I cut my heart
On random pieces of broken glass
It bled all night long
But healed the next day
Then, I sifted more
Still, to find my answer
Beneath Ashes
I sifted
And soiled my hands in toxic waste
...on remnants of broken hearts, fear, loss, disease
Seeing the ruins made me cry
But the tears cleared away poisons
And moisturized the ground
Allowing me to dig a bit deeper
Beneath Ashes
I sifted
And I sifted well, this time
Searching for the answer
I found vibrant hope, joy, and healing
Sprouting from bountiful soil
Nurtured by Love
And Sun piercing through cracks in the land
I felt so comfortable
That I rested there for a while
Dosing off before long
Now it’s here
That I’m planted
...Growing exquisitely in God’s unfiltered light
...Thriving in fertile soil
...But still hidden
Beneath ashes and ruins
Dean Glorso
Walk Sideways Along the Equator of Your Mind
Sometimes we fear the mission
Is to crash into the sun
But our conscience struggle
Is to find our laughing place
As one who fights with the invisible
It’s easy to deviate from our goals
Keep a north arrow at the end of yours no
Never lose direction
Walk sideways along the equator of your mind
With your eyes wide open
Glance often at your six
Ask your buddies to do the same
Rotate responsibilities and double down
On advancements in your life
Never forget to breathe in the best life gives
Explore the universe the best you can
This is the only trip we ever get
Live life to the fullest
Turn sorrow into life’s lessons
Move around the sun
Make this seventieth trip last
A unique journey
Without a lover now
These destinations are not the same
Look for the good on the other side
No mission is impossible
Onward soar
Dwell not
The bumpy ride
Will smooth beyond Mach speeds
340.3 meters per second
The only sound is laughter now
Celebrating 70 years of age & the 50th Anniversary of receiving Draft notice into the USMC
Benjamin Eric Nelson
My World Transforming
In the sky of clouds
Pressing onward
Cough drops
Airplane
My world transforming
Losing sight of the future
Another stone turned
Incubate the deceased
Infinite tears
A loss too great to bear
Why can’t there be the love???
For all worthy friends
Sin like a thorn in my side
God I tried
Lost sight
Got back up and lied
No regret
Just difficult decisions
To be put into a box
To be remembered
A lot
To find time
Time for compassion
Close my eyes
Wish for a surprise
Like the earth giving back
A bird
An egg
Love of what I create
